Everyone dreams of whiling away a day or two in the sunshine on the shores of a Thailand beach! The country is world-respected for its glorious beaches, tropical landscapes, smiley service, freshly made cocktails, coconuts (essential for a cooling pina colada or a creamy coconut margarita), and deliciously chili-infused cuisine. Little Steps Asia has pulled out all the stops and explored some of the finest beaches in Thailand to discover the 15 best beach clubs for you and your family.

BY LOCATION:  THE BEST BEACH CLUBS IN THAILAND

Koh Samui Beach Clubs

• Located in a picture-postcard location in an enclave in the Gulf of Thailand, the perfectly formed island has attracted tourists for decades. Fondly known by the locals as ‘coconut island,’ the small island has swathes of magnificent beaches shaded by swaying coconut palms and tropical landscapes. The locals have service, fun, and cocktails down to a tee! The lazy-days atmosphere makes it the idyllic location for a beach club or two. Most offer a cooling swimming pool, full service, light snacks or full menus, an extensive cocktail and wine list, and ice creams and milkshakes for the kids. Some even have charterable yachts so that you can head out to sea.

Koh Phangan Beach Clubs

• Koh Phangan is 100 kilometers off mainland Surat Thani and 15 kilometers from Koh Samui, accessible by ferries and high-speed boats. The island boasts some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and plenty of cultural attractions. It’s well-known for its spiritual area,  Sri Thanu, which attracts hundreds of kindred spirits seeking healing and peace through yoga courses, meditation retreats, and singing kirtan. On the island’s southern coast is Haad Rin, where full moon parties attract thousands of revelers from around the world. There are plenty of peaceful beaches for those that have grown out of glow-in-the-dark face paint.

Koh Tao Beach Clubs

• Koh Tao is known worldwide for its extraordinary diving; aptly, in English, it means Turtle Island; if you go diving or snorkeling in Shark Bay, you’ll likely spot green and hawksbill turtles. People often think the island is shaped like a turtle when viewed from Koh Phangan. The island is very relaxed and a must-visit if you are island hopping; it’s beautiful above and below the water and boasts stunning coral gardens and abundant marine life. Koh Tao has been attracting visitors for over half a century and is now one of the leading dive education centers in the world.

Phuket Beach Clubs

• The largest island in Thailand, Phuket, has been on the tourism map for decades. It’s always been at the top of many a traveler’s bucket list with its white sandy beaches, world-class food, luxury accommodation, and friendly locals. With many powdery white sandy beaches that effortlessly slope into shallow turquoise waters or raggedy cliffs that lead to almost hidden bays in the Andaman Sea, Phuket has something for everyone’s taste, style, and budget. Phuket has everything you could dream of, from peaceful toes-in-the-sand holidays to the hedonistic nightlife in Patong; beach clubs fall somewhere in between. The recently upgraded international airport makes it easily accessible from all over Asia.

Pattaya Beach Clubs

• Pattaya is a hugely popular tourist destination on the Gulf of Thailand, a mere 150 kilometers from Bangkok. Every year, the bustling town welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists wanting to soak up the sun, explore the local islands, or take advantage of the tepid waters and the many exciting water sports. It’s been labeled a ‘party town,’ but in recent years, the local Thai authorities have improved the quality of the beaches and created a more family-friendly destination.

Hua Hun Beach Clubs

• Not far from Bangkok, Hua Hin is a seaside town that offers many attractions for local and international visitors. The vibrant destination boasts an impressive coastal landscape, mountains, temples, and jungle. It is home to  Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, with rescued tigers, elephants, and bears in the vast ethical park. After a visit to see the animals and learn about their new habitats and previous lives, you can head to one of the many beach clubs that line the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. You could also visit the Pala-U waterfall in Kaeng Krachan National Park and watch thousands of beautifully colored butterflies dance in the warm breeze. Hua Hin is bursting with simple guest houses, luxury resorts, and some world-renowned spas.

Krabi Beach Clubs

• On the shores of the Andaman Sea, Krabi is famed for its scenic views and undeniably breathtaking beaches. There are hundreds of islands to explore with endless attractions, including hot springs, Khao Phra Bang Khram wildlife sanctuary with beautiful emerald-green pools, hiking trails, and some protected wildlife. The forest is one of the last remaining lowland forests in Thailand. You can discover towering limestone karsts, sea caves, flourishing coral gardens, and exotic marine life at sea. The marine national parks include Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. The cliffs along the shoreline draw rock-climbing enthusiasts from around the world. Krabi boasts some of the most impressive sunsets in Thailand, often with cloud-to-cloud lightning shows, best enjoyed from a beach club!

Khao Lak

• Refreshingly uncrowded, Khao Lak is in the Phang Nga province of Southern Thailand, consisting of a few small towns and 15 kilometers of white sandy beaches. Khao Lak is easygoing and very laid back. Pop into the Takua Pa Old Town Sunday market, where stalls line the streets between pretty Sino-Portuguese buildings. Nature lovers will fall in love with Khao Lak with its beautiful walks, Chong Fah waterfalls, and Khao Sok National Park, home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests; if you are lucky, you might even spot a herd of wild elephants. The protected Surin and Similan Islands are a mere two hours away for keen divers and snorkelers. The beaches are lined with coconut palms and fir trees along the impressive rock formations. You’ll likely find deserted beaches for an utterly peaceful holiday.